Director AEON Africa Earthe Observation Network Research Support and Management DVC RII

Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

The role of the AEON Director is to provide overall leadership and vision to the Africa-Earth Observatory Network, a leading transdisciplinary Earth Stewardship Science Research Institute. The institute was established to provide a university-wide research and educational environment that seeks consilient knowledge and engagement amongst earth and life sciences, engineering, resource economics, human and cultural sciences through application and dissemination of Earth Stewardship Science.

The Director contributes to growing the research capacity of the institute by leading strategic cutting-edge research projects and developing multi-institutional collaborations, to solve complex problems through implementation of transdisciplinary science to explore sustainability for people and the planet, particularly in Africa.

The Director assumes responsibility for all AEON initiatives and activities, and reports directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation (DVC: RII).

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Strategic thinking, planning and execution of initiatives to support the growth of AEON in line with institutional strategies, as well as global environmental issues
• Leads the development of strategic transdisciplinary project and funding proposals
• Engagement with internal and external stakeholders (including international partners) to build and grow the AEON and University national and international profile and reputation.
• Postgraduate student supervision and hosting of postdoctoral and research fellows
• Development and expansion of AEON membership according to key research gaps and knowledge fields, including attracting Research Associates and Professors.
• Ensures that the AEON complies to its Vision, Mission, Values, Objectives, Goals and Targets. Assumes responsibility for the process of updating these as AEON grows.
• Ensures that set Research, Training and Consulting Activities take place aligned with Institutional Research Themes.
• Ensures that the following engagement takes place through the AEON: 1) Engagement through community interaction, service and outreach; 2) Engagement through teaching and learning; 3) Engagement through profession/discipline-based service provision; and 4) Engagement through research and scholarship.
• Liaises and provides strategic input to the DVC: RII and various other Nelson Mandela University Top Management (including the Office for Research Support and Management, Office for Institutional Strategy, Faculty Deans, Legal Services, amongst others).
• Formally reports on all AEON research and consulting projects, initiatives, activities and outputs to the AEON Management Committee, AEON Advisory Board, and DVC: RII. Assists the DVC: RII, who Chairs the AEON Advisory Board, with Advisory Board-specific matters. Chair the AEON Management Committee, which guides the running of the Institute and represents wider membership.
• Secures funding for AEON and leads the process of new recruitment, when necessary, for AEON projects or the AEON Team.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinking and the ability to bridge disconnections between fields to facilitate transdisciplinary earth stewardship research.
• Expert knowledge in the theory and application of geophysics | or a geologist with continental scale expert knowledge.
• Expertise in (or good understanding of) marine geoscience, exploration geophysics/geology, numerical/quantitative modelling.
• Track record as a reputable geoscientist with experience/exposure in exploration industry.
• Proven excellent and strong leadership and delegation skills.
• Proven research and publication record.
• Evidence of management of large-scale research and/or exploration projects.
• A proven record of attracting external funding for research from national and international sources.
• Experience in facilitating learning at undergraduate and graduate level.
• Ability to work with and contribute to a team effort.
• Proven record or potential for providing academic leadership.
• Strong leadership, management, planning, staff development, and financial skills

Proven track record of dissemination of science including conferences and outreach engagement

Requirements

• Qualifications: Minimum of a PhD in geophysics or geology
• Experience as Associate Professor or Full Professor would serve as an added strong recommendation.
• Must have led large research projects and teams
• A minimum of five years experience in academic research
• Experience with the management of an analytical facility or geoscientific equipment pool;
• Understanding of scientific computing
• Experience in mineral or energy resource industry will be an added advantage
• Cover letter
• Equity targeted groups to be specified on the advert